While fans eagerly await the return to Oz, a lucky few got a magical sneak peek of Wicked: For Ever at NBCUniversal’s 2025 Upfronts in New York City.
The event, held at Radio City Music Hall on Monday, offered an exclusive first look at the upcoming sequel—and let’s just say, it’s going to be epic.
Director Jon M. Chu made a surprise appearance to introduce the trailer, bringing a touch of Hollywood sparkle to the stage.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are officially back in their spellbinding roles as Glinda and Elphaba, and even from this limited preview, their chemistry and power are as strong as ever.
Jon M. Chu Asks for Patience—and Phone-Free Respect
Before the footage rolled, Chu, who’s currently juggling the editing of the second film back in Los Angeles, addressed the audience with a personal request.
“I should be back in LA finishing the movie,” he joked, before urging the crowd to keep their phones away during the trailer.
“We’re not quite ready to share this publicly yet,” he explained.
“So I’m asking as a favor—please, no recordings.”
And to keep the mood light (and slightly ominous), he warned, “If you even reach for your phones, just know we have flying monkeys staged all around the theater—and they take security very seriously.”
A Wedding, a Search, and a Broomstick Message
According to a source who spoke with DailyMail.com, the trailer didn’t disappoint.
One of the standout moments? Glinda, dressed in a stunning wedding gown, is seen getting ready to walk down the aisle—hinting that her engagement to Fiyero (played by Jonathan Bailey), which unfolded in the first film, may finally be culminating in a ceremony.
But the romance takes a backseat when Glinda starts looking for Elphaba in Emerald City.
“Elphaba, I know you’re here… Just come out before the monkeys spot you,” she calls out.
Elphaba’s response is cool and determined: “This is between us, the Wizard and I.”
Then, in a dramatic moment, she takes flight on her broomstick, carving the phrase “Our Wizard Lies” across the sky—a bold rebellion against the forces of Oz.
A Touching Friendship and a Nod to Dorothy
The trailer also tugged at hearts with a tender exchange between the two leads.
“You’re the only friend I’ve ever had,” Elphaba admits.
To which Glinda replies, “And I’ve had so many friends… but you’re the only one that mattered.”
Fans also got a brief glimpse of the classic Wizard of Oz characters—Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion—skipping down the iconic yellow brick road.
However, their faces weren’t shown, keeping the mystery alive, especially since Dorothy’s casting hasn’t yet been announced.
This move has fueled tons of speculation across social media.
A Wicked Live Concert Event Is Coming
To build even more buzz, Chu also announced a major live concert event tied to the film’s release.
Titled Wicked: For Good, the concert will take place in Los Angeles and serve as the “centerpiece” of their promotional campaign.
Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and other cast members will perform live on stage at the Peacock Theater.
The event will be filmed and air on NBC in November, with next-day streaming available on Peacock.
Chu emphasized that this kind of spectacle has “never been done in the 22-year history of Wicked,” making it a must-see for fans of the musical and movie franchise alike.
What About Dorothy? Chu Drops a Hint—But No Confirmation Yet
While fans are itching to know more about how Dorothy fits into the sequel, Jon M. Chu stayed mostly tight-lipped.
Speaking previously to Variety, he confirmed that audiences will definitely “revisit” Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion in the second film.
But whether Dorothy plays a central role? That’s still under wraps.
“There’s a part of me that wants everyone’s Dorothy to be the Dorothy they imagine,” Chu teased.
“And yet… there is interaction and crossover. So I’ll leave that up to Part Two.”
What’s Next for Wicked?
With the teaser trailer generating plenty of buzz behind the scenes and a high-profile concert on the horizon, it’s clear that Wicked: For Ever is shaping up to be one of the biggest cinematic events of the year.
As fans count down the days, one thing’s for sure—Oz is about to cast its spell all over again.